What Can A CO2 Laser Cut, Etch, Or Mark?
What Can A CO2 Laser Cut, Etch, Or Mark?
There are a whole host of materials that a CO2 laser cutter can cut, etch or mark – but some – due to the material surface reflection – just won’t work (aluminum is an example).
While other materials can be extremely hazardous to either humans or the machine itself (like PVC and ABS). Therefore, for your own safety it’s vital that you check this list of approved and not so approved materials before attempting to laser cut stuff you’ve never worked with before.
It is not always obviously apparent as to which materials will work – for example, both Polycarbonate/Lexan produce flames and lethal chlorine gas which will rapidly corrode your $30,000-plus machine into uselessness. Not to mention the fact that the fumes are hazardous to your health and that of people nearby. Yet Acrylic – which looks, smells, feels and tastes just like Lexan – cuts smoothly and cleanly and is one of the best materials to use with the laser. So check and then double-check what you’re laser cutting to avoid lens, laser or health-related problems.
The perfect depth, machine power level and feed speed all depend on the thickness and type of material being cut. If not specified below, it’s best to consult with material manufacturers or locate scrap materials to ‘test’ various laser cutter settings against your material.
Where to Find Materials
There is a fairly good supply of materials sold at home supply stores, lumber yards and through commercial supply channels. Manufacturers tend to procure their materials from specific providers since they’ll receive their desired thickness right off the truck.
Here’s a few popular sources for finding laserable materials:
laserbits.com, johnsonplastics.com, burlane.com, idplates.com, thermark.com, ebay.com
Safe Materials
The versatility of laser cutters is remarkable, considering they can cut, mark and etch. The laser cutter has the ability to accurately cut or etch numerous materials such as wood, paper, cork, and some kinds of plastics. Laser etching can produce great results on almost any organic material. The main materials shops will process will include wood, cardboard, aluminum, stainless steel, plastic, tile, marble, anodized aluminum, stone, and glass. Most reflective materials, such as raw aluminum, silver, copper may require a different wavelength and precision beyond some CO2 machinery’s capacity.
Laser Cutting
Laser cutting materials offers craftsmen and manufacturers precision results utilizing the power of lasers and the strength of CO2. Before beginning any cutting project, always inspect your machine, observe the chiller temperature and gauge your interior temperature to meet the wattage demands of your cutter. For an 80 watt CO2 laser that will be used in warmer climates as an example, make sure your chiller is adjusted to handle the heat load. Temperatures above 75 degrees F can reduce laser power significantly.
Clean your laser lenses often as well. Built-up residues will cause a dramatic decrease in cutting power and accuracy, with an eventual lens cracking imminent.
Below you’ll find a plethora of materials suitable for laser cutting on most any machine:
| Material | Notes | Warnings! |
| Acrylic/Lucite/Plexiglas/PMMA | Cuts extremely well leaving a beautifully polished edge. You should cut clear acrylics at 1/8” @ 39-41% power, while doubling the power for ¼”. By far, acrylic is the cheapest material to laser cut. | |
| Aluminum | As aluminum contains high thermal conductivity and is reflective, a higher concentration of laser power is needed to initiate cuts, compared to steel’s less reflective composition. | Reflective – may harm laser if improperly guarded. |
| Aspen | At slightly under ¼” thick, Aspen cuts much like balsa. This softwood is perfect for projects which require contrast. | |
| Balsa | Balsa can be cut easily due to its soft hardwood nature, leaving the edges with an amber discoloration. ¼” or less works best. | |
| Baltic Birch | One of few interior glue woods that are laser cutter friendly. Low feed rate and roughly 65% power work best to avoid charring. | |
| Basswood | Although slightly heavier than some woods, Basswood will cut cleanly and without excessive scorching. | |
| Brass | Although rare, some laser cutters (i.e. Mitsubishi) can only cut through .030” or less of brass due to its reflective nature, which can destroy the lens. The issue is compromising the beam reflection. There are different types of brass that are engraveable and markable. | Not suggested if unfamiliar with laser cutting machines and proper settings. |
| Carbon fiber mats/weave that has not had epoxy applied |
Can be cut, very slowly. Cutting carbon fiber too quickly will cause material to melt and emit a nasty odor. |
You must not cut carbon fiber that has been coated!! |
| Cardboard, carton |
Cuts well but may catch fire unless the material is flame-retardant. |
Watch for fire. |
| Ceramic (e.g. decorative tile) |
Must cut at low speeds due to potential striation, loss of flatness and dross. Reduction of in-cut times may reduce most post-cut problems such as micro-cracks. |
|
| Felt/cloth/cotton/hemp |
They all typically cut easily. |
Not plastic coated or impregnated cloth! |